Three Basic Learning Modalities

1. Three Basic Learning Modalities Sensory Preferences and Learning Style Only take notes of slides with this symbol.

2. Learning Style • We take in and begin to process information through our senses. • Our preferences in the way we take in information influences our ability to learn in different environments. Sensory Modalities • Auditory • Visual • Kinesthetic/Tactile

3. Auditory Learner • enjoys oral discussion • studies by talking aloud • requires oral explanations • has trouble with written direction • reinforces a task by talking him/herself through it

4. More Auditory Traits from USD* • sit where they can hear but needn't pay attention to what is happening in front • may not coordinate colors or clothes, but can explain why they are wearing what they are wearing and why • hum or talk to themselves or others when bored • acquire knowledge by reading aloud • remember by verbalizing lessons to themselves (if they don't they may have difficulty reading maps or diagrams or handling conceptual assignments like mathematics). *source online: University of South Dakota –www.usd.edu/trio/tut/ts/styleres.html

5. Visual Learner • remembers visual details • follows along when others read • prefers to see what’s to be learned • needs written instruction • has trouble following lectures

6. More Visual Traits from USD* • take numerous detailed notes • tend to sit in the front • are usually neat and clean • often close their eyes to visualize or remember something • find something to watch if they are bored • like to see what they are learning • benefit from illustrations and presentations that use color • are attracted to written or spoken language rich in imagery • prefer stimuli to be isolated from auditory and kinesthetic distraction • find passive surroundings ideal *source online: University of South Dakota –www.usd.edu/trio/tut/ts/styleres.html

7. Kinesthetic Learner • has to do it to know it • prefers activity-based learning • studies by writing over and over • may be restless in class

8. More Kinesthetic Traits from USD* • need to be active and take frequent breaks • speak with their hands and with gestures • remember what was done, but have difficulty recalling what was said or seen • find reasons to tinker or move when bored • rely on what they can directly experience or perform • activities such as cooking, construction, engineering and art help them perceive and learn • enjoy field trips and tasks that involve manipulating materials • sit near the door or someplace else where they can easily get up and move around • are uncomfortable in classrooms where they lack opportunities for hands-on experience • communicate by touching and appreciate physically expressed encouragement, such as a pat on the back *source online: University of South Dakota –www.usd.edu/trio/tut/ts/styleres.html

9. The Wagner Preference Inventory • Brain hemisphere dominance is reported to effect learning style. • People that are: • left brain-dominant are primarily auditory learners • right brain-dominant are primarily visual learners. • The Wagner Preference Inventory was used to determine brain hemisphere dominance.

10. Two Sides to the Brain Brain Orientation - Thinking Preference & Learning Style Activity #2

11. Analytic LearnerGlobal LearnerLeft Brain CharacteristicsRight Brain Characteristics • looking at details • focusing on one thing • giving direct answers • organization • individual competition • establishing routines • working through ideas • following schedules • seeing the “big” picture • cooperating in groups • giving and receiving praise • reading body language • going with the flow • doing several things at once • focusing on ideas/themes • listening sincerely to others • reading between the lines

12. Left BrainCognitive Processing • Linear - Processing information from part to whole; in a straight forward logical progression. • Sequential - Processing information in order from first to last. • Symbolic - Processes symbols; likes to use letters, words and mathematical symbols. • Logical - Processes information piece by piece using logic to solve a problem. • Verbal - Processes thoughts and ideas with words. • Reality-Based - Processes information based on reality; focuses on rules and regulations

13. Right BrainCognitive Processing • Holistic - Processing information from whole to part; sees the big picture first, not the details. • Random - Processing information with out priority, jumps form one task to another. • Concrete - Processes things that can be seen, or touched - real objects. • Intuitive - Processes information based on whether or not it feels right know answer but not sure how it was derived. • Nonverbal - Processes thought as illustrations. • Fantasy-Oriented - Processes information with creativity; less focuses on rules and regulations

14. You Almost Always Left Brain (Analytic)Traits • do things the same way • like a neat environment • are self-motivated • value facts over feelings • ask “how do I do it?” Right Brain (Global)Traits • visualize the future • think fast on your feet • have good rapport with others • see many solutions • accept many types of people • try to avoid conflict

15. These Frustrate You Left Brain TraitsRight Brain Traits • not knowing the purpose • not understanding how a teacher grades • dealing with generalities • having an opinion expressed as fact • having to find personal meaning in what you learn • working in groups • questions with no right answer • having to explain things step by step • not getting a chance to explain • accept criticism without taking it personally • people who are insensitive • not knowing the meaning for doing something • keeping detailed records • re-doing anything once it is done • having to chose one answer

16. Questions You Ask:Left Brain TraitsRight Brain Traits • What facts do I need to know? • What should it look like? • When is it due? • What does this have to do with me? • How can I make a difference? • How much of this is really necessary?

17. The Potential of Your Brain • Three basic learning modalities • Eight intelligences • Trillions & trillions of brain cells • 100 billion neurons in “thinking brain” • 20,000 possible connections between neurons • Three brains in one • Two sides to the brain

18. Eight Intelligences Multiple Intelligences & Learning Style “It’s not about how smart you are, but how you are smart!” Activity #3

19. Gardner’s Intelligence • “. . . an ability to solve problems or fashion products that are useful in a particular cultural setting or community.” image source: http://www.essentialschools.org/ images/ff_pics/ff2000/speakers/howard.jpg

20. Multiple Intelligence Theory -The Seven Eight Intelligences Howard Gardner • Verbal/Linguistic • Logical/Mathematical • Visual/Spatial • Bodily/Kinesthetic • Musical/Rhythmic • Interpersonal • Intrapersonal • Naturalist • +Existential Interest may = Aptitude, Strength & Preference vs Disinterest may = Ineptitude, Weakness & Prejudice

21. Verbal – Linguistic Word/Book Smart Strength • reading, writing, telling stories, memorizing dates, thinking in words Best Learning Style • reading, hearing and seeing words speaking, writing, discussing, and debating image source: www.multi-intell.com/MI_chart.html

22. Logical – Mathematical Number/Logic Smart Strength • math, reasoning, logic, problem solving, patterns Best Learning Style • working with patterns and relationships, classifying, categorizing, working with the abstract image source: www.multi-intell.com/MI_chart.html

23. Visual – Spatial Art/Picture Smart Strength • reading, maps, charts, drawing, mazes, puzzles, imaging things, visualization Best Learning Style • working with pictures and colors, visualizing, using the "mind’s eye", drawing image source: www.multi-intell.com/MI_chart.html

24. Bodily – Kinesthetic Body/Movement Smart Strength • athletics, dancing, acting, crafts, using tools Best Learning Style • touching, moving, processing knowledge though body sensations image source: www.multi-intell.com/MI_chart.html

25. Musical – Rhythmic Music/Sound Smart Strength • singing, picking up sounds, remembering melodies, rhythms Best Learning Style • rhythm, melody, singing, listening to music and melodies image source: www.multi-intell.com/MI_chart.html

26. Interpersonal People/Group Smart Strength • understanding people, leading, organizing, communicating, resolving conflicts, selling Best Learning Style • sharing, comparing, relating, interviewing, cooperating image source: www.multi-intell.com/MI_chart.html

27. Intrapersonal Self/Introspection Smart Strength • understanding self, recognizing strengths and weaknesses, setting goals Best Learning Style • working alone, doing self-paced projects, having space, reflecting image source: www.multi-intell.com/MI_chart.html

28. Naturalist Nature/Environment Smart Strength • categorizing, organizing a living area, planning a trip, preservation, and conservation Best Learning Style • sharing, comparing, relating, cooperating and interviewing image source: www.multi-intell.com/MI_chart.html

29. Self-Evaluation What kind of student are you? What kind of student do you want to be? Activity #5